Sinus pain

Definition

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses. It is usually caused by an infection (bacterial or viral), but can also be caused by allergic reactions or other responses to environmental agents.

The sinuses are holes in the skull between the facial bones. There are four large sinuses: two inside the cheekbones (the maxillary sinuses) and two above the eyes (the frontal sinuses).

There are also smaller sinuses (ethmoidal and sphenoidal sinuses) located between the larger ones. The sinuses are lined with membranes that secrete antibody-containing mucus, which protects the respiratory passages from the onslaught of irritants in the air we breathe.

Symptoms

If you have sinus pain that comes on quickly (over a couple of days or less), you may have acute bacterial sinusitis. Here are some of the expected characteristics:

• • It often begins on one side of the face and may stay on one side

• • You may feel ill and usually have other nasal symptoms

• • There may be a cough from infected drainage

• • You may experience pain in your upper teeth on one side especially, occasionally both sides

• • Nasal congestion may occur

• • Cloudy or pus-like drainage is a sure sign of sinusitis

• • Fever is possible

• • If symptoms are not improving in six or seven days, you can be sure you have acute sinusitis. Viral infections are generally improving by now.

• • Your condition may start with a common cold and, just when you think you are getting better, you then “develop” a bacterial infection with more localised sinus/nasal symptoms.

Treatment and prevention

If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics are usually prescribed for about 10 days. Your doctor also may prescribe one or more of the following remedies which can be useful in reducing inflammation in the sinuses and nose and speeding recovery:

• • Decongestants that temporarily relieve symptoms and also help the healing process by draining the nose and sinuses. Decongestants constrict the blood vessels and shrink the sinus and nasal membranes, thus, reducing stuffiness in the sinuses and nasal passageways.

• • Over-the-counter nasal sprays are decongestants in a spray form. They are effective when used for a few days, but can be addicting when used for longer periods of time. After using decongestant sprays for three days, people usually experience a rebound effect – when they stop using the spray, they become even more congested and need more spray for relief. People with chronic allergies or sinus problems should limit the use of decongestant sprays to five treatments a week.

• • Prescription inhalers can help reduce sinus inflammation (these are not decongestants and are not habit-forming). Prescription inhalers help heal sinus membranes after the bacteria have been eliminated. When used as directed by a doctor, prescription inhalers can be taken safely for months.

• • Expectorants thin the mucus so that it drains more easily.

• • Antihistamines help relieve nasal itchiness and inflammation by blocking the action of histamine; however, they do not help mucus drain.

• • Dry-air heating systems and air-conditioning can cause sinus membranes to dry out, crack and become vulnerable to irritants, inflammation and infection. Keeping a humidifier running in your home and office or using an over-the-counter salt-water spray (inhaled through the nose) five or six times a day can provide dramatic relief.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about sinus pain.